A 19-year-old who survived a traumatic brain injury has been named honorary captain of the 7th annual Miles for Madonna 5K race. Steele McLaren spent 19 days in a coma after falling out of a truck on the way home from a hunting trip in 2020 “My left side wasn’t even working because I hit the left side of my head, and he was very hurt,” McLaren said. “I forgot how to brush my teeth, dress, eat and (Madonna) helped me do that, and that means a lot.” McLaren spent months in rehab before finally returning home in March 2021. Now he’s in much better shape, working and going to college at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. The success earned McLaren honorary captaincy for Saturday’s Miles for Madonna 5K race. About 300 participants took part. “It’s a 5k run, a 5k walk and a mile walk,” said John Glenn, vice president of development at Madonna. “We have more runners and walkers this year. I think after COVID people want to get out, want to celebrate, want to stretch their legs, want to see friends, loved ones and ex-patients.” Glenn said the money raised from the race helps Madonna continue to provide services to patients like McLaren. He hopes McLaren’s story can inspire others. productive member of his family and community,” said Glenn.
A 19-year-old who survived a traumatic brain injury has been named honorary captain of the 7th annual Miles for Madonna 5K race.
Steele McLaren spent 19 days in a coma after falling out of a truck on his way home from a hunting trip in 2020.
“My left side wasn’t even working because I hit the left side of my head, and he was badly injured,” McLaren said. “I forgot how to brush my teeth, get dressed, eat my food and (Madonna) helped me do it, and that means a lot.”
McLaren spent months in rehab before finally returning home in March 2021. Now he’s in much better shape, working and going to college at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.
The success earned McLaren honorary captaincy for Saturday’s Miles for Madonna 5K race. About 300 participants took part.
“It’s a 5k run, a 5k walk and a 1 mile walk,” said John Glenn, Madonna’s vice president of development. “We have more runners and walkers this year. I think after COVID people want to get out, want to celebrate, want to stretch their legs, want to see friends, loved ones and ex-patients.”
Glenn said the money raised from the race helps Madonna continue to provide services to patients like McLaren.
He hopes McLaren’s story can inspire others.
“Just like his name, he showed nerves of steel. He worked incredibly hard to rebuild his life, to return home, to be a productive member of his family and community,” Glenn said.
